Obituary of Larry Willis

Larry Willis September 26, 1958 - October 31, 2010 Larry Willis, age 52, a beloved husband, father, papaw, and brother, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 at 4:03pm at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center following a short illness. He was born Sept 26, 1958 to the late Donald and Georgia (Kemplin) Willis in Monroe. Larry married the love of his life, Cheryl Lynn Sharp on November 14, 1981. They resided in Monroe. Then moving to Clairfield, TN in 1998 and returning to Monroe June 2010. He worked 3 years for Panther as an over the road truck driver until his medical retirement. For many years he had worked as a Paper Press Operator for IPMC in Detroit prior to their closing. Larry was a member of UAW and Teamsters. In keeping with Larry's memory he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying camping, fishing, taking care of his vegetable garden, cooking outdoors and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and playing video games. Larry loved listening to all types of music and building antique model cars. Larry is survived by his wife of 28 years of marriage, Cheryl Willis of Newport; four daughters, Meranda (Jacob) Myers of Temperance, Jamie Willis of Carleton, Sarah Willis of Newport, Christina Willis of Newport and two sons, Larry Willis of Monroe and Joshua Willis of Newport; twelve grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, two brothers: Mike Willis of LaFollette, TN and Denny (Ginger) Willis of Monroe; two sisters: Vicki Willis of Louisville, KY and Denise Willis of Monroe; four brother-in-laws: Kenneth (Lori) Sharp of Clyde, Ohio, Wade (Nilda) Sharp of Newport, Kevin Sharp of Monroe and Brian (Lydia) Sharp of Adrian; one sister-in-law: Cathy (Dirk) Sisung of Newport, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by father and mother-in-law: Kenneth Sharp and Donna Mae (Goins) Sharp; Uncles Vic and Bob Willis, and Jack Kemplin; sister-in-law: Debra (Sharp) Scznsny; and brother-in-law: Dean Sharp. Family may gather between 11:00-12:00pm Friends may join from 12:00-2:00pm on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 2:00pm with the Rev. Kenneth Spain, Associate Pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery for burial. Luncheon following graveside ceremony at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Willis Family.